Well, I just discovered today that my little team was one of the top 100 fundraising teams for the Portland Heart Walk sponsored by the American Heart Association! http://www.portlandheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamStats.asp?ievent=285558&lis=1&kntae285558=39B0E248210E4ACF8E2CB98DD2B4737D Isn't that great!? Sadly, we did not meet the Team goal, but my personal goal was met. However, participating in events and fundraisers for AHA is continual and I plan on giving on a regular basis. If you are interested in more information on the American Heart Association and how you can make a difference, visit their website at www.americanheart.org/
On another note, I am hosting a Pageant Seminar, given by Libby Crawford on Saturday, June 27, 2009 in Oregon City. Libby is also the Mrs. Oregon director and a highly successful coach for pageantry. She will be sharing insight into how to walk, interview, and choose a wardrobe among other interesting subjects. The current Miss Oregon, Danijela Krstic, will also be speaking and available for questions. It is an incredible and intimate opportunity! The cost is only $ 25! Do not miss it! If you are interested, please email me with your information ASAP! Space is limited! Do NOT miss this opportunity. Also, if you bring 2 canned food items, you will be entered into a drawing for a prize basket. For specifics, please contact me!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Better Late than Never
It has been too long since I gave any updates. So, here's the nutshell.
I had the opportunity to serve wine with Mrs. Oregon, Joelle Goodwin, at the Annual Mike Belotti Auction for Muscular Dystrophy. It was an eye opening experience. I really enjoyed her company as well as that of her very warm husband, Bob. I even ended up with a great "athletic" package which included a membership to Oakway Fitness, tanning, and a Gift Card to Big 5. It was a great evening.
I also had the pleasure of being requested to sing the National Anthem at Cottage Grove Speedway. I know, not the usually place you would expect to see a pageant gal, but it was great. You see, when I first competed in a pageant, the system was based out of the California Fairs and Expositions; we did many, MANY appearances at just such places. So, it was like being young again. It was great. To top it off, in the small world of sprint car racing, the new track manager used to race for my father MANY years ago in California. Small world indeed. I will be singing again in a few weeks. It was nice to sit back with some friends and my husband and enjoy a very common American Saturday evening.
Most recently I was invited by Special Olympics of Oregon to be a part of their Golf Games in Eugene. This event is hosted annually by RiverRidge Golf Course. It truly is a lovely course. Again, I was asked to sing the National Anthem. After the Opening Ceremonies, a lovely young lady by the name of Denver, and I hosted a group for individual events. Over 60 athletes were competing in events including: "The Short Putt", "The Long Putt", and several others requiring skills of accuracy and strength. The entire group was supportive and kind. I really felt priviledged to get to know some of these very talented men and women. I signed a few autographs and took some photos. After enjoying a catered lunch by Hop Valley, my new friends Joe, Denver, and Daniel all spent some time practicing our putting. It was a great time...I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the game. The day concluded with the Medal Ceremony of course. I was really impressed with how close the scoring truly was. They had a great day of competition and I hope to have the opportunity to do more with Special Olympics. Tyler Cox did a great job of keeping the event smooth and everyone involved. I will always have unique memories of that day.
I had the opportunity to serve wine with Mrs. Oregon, Joelle Goodwin, at the Annual Mike Belotti Auction for Muscular Dystrophy. It was an eye opening experience. I really enjoyed her company as well as that of her very warm husband, Bob. I even ended up with a great "athletic" package which included a membership to Oakway Fitness, tanning, and a Gift Card to Big 5. It was a great evening.
I also had the pleasure of being requested to sing the National Anthem at Cottage Grove Speedway. I know, not the usually place you would expect to see a pageant gal, but it was great. You see, when I first competed in a pageant, the system was based out of the California Fairs and Expositions; we did many, MANY appearances at just such places. So, it was like being young again. It was great. To top it off, in the small world of sprint car racing, the new track manager used to race for my father MANY years ago in California. Small world indeed. I will be singing again in a few weeks. It was nice to sit back with some friends and my husband and enjoy a very common American Saturday evening.
Most recently I was invited by Special Olympics of Oregon to be a part of their Golf Games in Eugene. This event is hosted annually by RiverRidge Golf Course. It truly is a lovely course. Again, I was asked to sing the National Anthem. After the Opening Ceremonies, a lovely young lady by the name of Denver, and I hosted a group for individual events. Over 60 athletes were competing in events including: "The Short Putt", "The Long Putt", and several others requiring skills of accuracy and strength. The entire group was supportive and kind. I really felt priviledged to get to know some of these very talented men and women. I signed a few autographs and took some photos. After enjoying a catered lunch by Hop Valley, my new friends Joe, Denver, and Daniel all spent some time practicing our putting. It was a great time...I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the game. The day concluded with the Medal Ceremony of course. I was really impressed with how close the scoring truly was. They had a great day of competition and I hope to have the opportunity to do more with Special Olympics. Tyler Cox did a great job of keeping the event smooth and everyone involved. I will always have unique memories of that day.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Updates
Passion only matters if you use it. I fear I've been complacent about raising money for the American Heart Association. Yes, the economy is not exactly lush, and yes, people are preparing for the worst. However, I haven't been asking. That is the first step to receiving and I have not been persistent enough. That is changing today. Change is good. I will pursue fundraising for my team, Lane County Hearts, and for the hearts who need funds for their health.
Very excited about Heart to Heart. I have training plus visits quite a few times this month! Which really is exciting for me! May is going to be very busy!
Into the Woods should begin rehearsals in late May and hopefully I will be volunteering in Portland during the Rose Festival as Mrs. Lane County. I am looking forward to meeting the other ladies. It will be great.
Very excited about Heart to Heart. I have training plus visits quite a few times this month! Which really is exciting for me! May is going to be very busy!
Into the Woods should begin rehearsals in late May and hopefully I will be volunteering in Portland during the Rose Festival as Mrs. Lane County. I am looking forward to meeting the other ladies. It will be great.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Mrs. Lane County America 2010
Well, I have been accepted as Mrs. Lane County America 2010. Yay! I have been so excited to start working in the community and make a difference to those who have heart health problems. Tomorrow I will meet the person I will shadow at Sacred Heart! Having a title doesn't make any change to me, but it merely provides an open door for my platform. This means that I have the opportunity to expand my current work. It really is great to be healthy enough to do this! I remember when I had a difficult time walking from the car to the mall entrance. It was difficult. It was challenging to accept that my body was not acting how I prefer it to act, and that I couldn't carry on my daily life how I would like. I am reminded of this every time I realize I get to be a support to those who are in the place I was just over a year ago.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Miss Lane County
It's been awhile since I've been involved with the pageant circuit. Last night I had the pleasure of helping backstage with the Miss Lane, Miss U of O, Miss Linn-Benton County (3 Miss titles in one competition), Outstanding Teen, and the MAO Princess competitions. It's amazing how it comes back to you! Nicole Akins did an amazing job! Seriously! She was so prepared. It was great. Her family was supportive and involved, which I think makes a huge difference; I know that many of my accomplishments are due to the support of my family. Anyway...plus the Miss Lane County Board is dedicated and put on a very smooth and GREAT show! All elegance! It was refreshing to meet so many accomplished young women who are talented, composed, well-spoken and intelligent. Girls, you really impressed me. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed seeing strong ladies speak out on what matters in their lives. Also, the very young ladies, the Princesses, reminded me how much I miss working with children. Hopefully, that will be remedied very soon by teaching theatre again; keep your fingers crossed.
I have just sent my application in to compete for Mrs. Oregon. We will see...the current Mrs. Oregon, Joelle Rankins-Goodwin, is great. We shared some laughs (and probably blisters today) last night. It was stimulating to be in the company of other active, involved and giving women. I loved it! Zannie and Zella; it was fun.
I have just sent my application in to compete for Mrs. Oregon. We will see...the current Mrs. Oregon, Joelle Rankins-Goodwin, is great. We shared some laughs (and probably blisters today) last night. It was stimulating to be in the company of other active, involved and giving women. I loved it! Zannie and Zella; it was fun.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Heart to Heart
It has been 13 months since my heart surgery. I'm feeling so much better! I have energy to do more than just do my job and rest all evening. This is extremely exciting when you have been stuck in an unwanted sedentary lifestyle for nearly two years. But, now it is my turn to give back.
When I was told "it looks like you will definitely need surgery again" it literally shattered my hope. I knew that this time it would be much more serious and recovery would be difficult and extended. I knew that it would change my life, but I didn't realize how fast and severe my body would react to the sub-aortic stenosis ( basic definition= muscle band growth abnormality just below the aortic valve causing turbulent blood flow). I was exhausted all the time, not to mention in surprising pain and immobile, at times. So, the long process of actually getting TO the surgery was trying to say the least. I remember feeling helpless, stuck, frustrated and hopeless. Those are not traits I would normally associate myself with. Which brings me to the entire point of this blog:
I have a meeting next Wednesday to hopefully become a part of "Heart to Heart" with Sacred Heart Medical Center. It is basically a mentor program for pre- and post- cardiac surgery patients. I will have the chance to encourage and hopefully make a difference in the life of someone who is caught off guard by their emotions and physical response. I wish there would have been someone there for me at that time that really understood the whirlwind. I am hoping to be that calm the storm for someone. Even one. Wish me luck.
When I was told "it looks like you will definitely need surgery again" it literally shattered my hope. I knew that this time it would be much more serious and recovery would be difficult and extended. I knew that it would change my life, but I didn't realize how fast and severe my body would react to the sub-aortic stenosis ( basic definition= muscle band growth abnormality just below the aortic valve causing turbulent blood flow). I was exhausted all the time, not to mention in surprising pain and immobile, at times. So, the long process of actually getting TO the surgery was trying to say the least. I remember feeling helpless, stuck, frustrated and hopeless. Those are not traits I would normally associate myself with. Which brings me to the entire point of this blog:
I have a meeting next Wednesday to hopefully become a part of "Heart to Heart" with Sacred Heart Medical Center. It is basically a mentor program for pre- and post- cardiac surgery patients. I will have the chance to encourage and hopefully make a difference in the life of someone who is caught off guard by their emotions and physical response. I wish there would have been someone there for me at that time that really understood the whirlwind. I am hoping to be that calm the storm for someone. Even one. Wish me luck.
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